Gear Girl finds a win in NB 1520

Ok, I know it's a men's shoe. I know I'm not a man. I also know that to find any women's trail runners in the middle of no where Arkansas is difficult, especially if you happen to need, lets say, a size 10 in women's runners to avoid black toe. That being said... I teach and outdoor physical education class at a local private school, work at a gear shop, and avidly hike, climb, backpack the local Boston Mts. The 1520s have really been great. I've had no problems with the gore-tex liner leaking. My feet stay dry as long as the water doesn't come up past the webbing of the tongue. I have a very low volume foot with a high arch, so i put a pair of superfeet in my 1520s and it fixed the dead space. I'd like them to be a little lighter, but the durability is worth the few ounces. Also, can you say gaiter compatible? Boo ya! I only wish the shoe wasn't as stiff on the extreme portion of the upper. Also, in having a gore-tex membrane you give up some breathability and for that I'm rating a 4, but it's really something like a 4.5. I'd never wear these without a wool sock, something smartwool or comparable.